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Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga & Sun Salutation

Mindful Movement Flows

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Year 5

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can yoga help us connect our mind, body and breath to improve our wellbeing?

Learning Objectives

To develop an understanding of what yoga is and its benefits for mind, body and breath
To learn and perform the sun salutation flow with control and coordination
To develop flexibility and body awareness through yoga poses and mindful breathing

Key Outcomes

Students will understand the basic principles of yoga and its holistic benefits
Students will be able to perform a simple sun salutation sequence
Students will demonstrate improved body awareness and breathing techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then individual spaces for practice

Alternative: Towels or blankets if mats unavailable

Cones

Place at front of room to represent the sun for sun salutation

Alternative: Yellow markers or pictures of the sun

Track

Set up sound system before lesson begins

Alternative: Any calm, instrumental music suitable for meditation

Sun Salutation Story

1 for teacher

Have available for reading during sun salutation practice

Alternative: Create own simple desert-themed story connecting the poses

Key Vocabulary

Yoga

A practice that combines physical poses, breathing techniques and mindfulness to strengthen the mind, body and spirit

Namaste

A respectful greeting in yoga meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Sun Salutation

A flowing sequence of yoga poses performed to honour the sun and warm up the body

Mountain Pose

A standing pose with feet hip-width apart, spine tall and arms at sides - our foundation pose

Mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and without judgement

Body Scan

A mindfulness technique where you focus attention on different parts of the body to notice sensations

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Understanding of breathing as essential for life

Current Skills

Introduction to yoga philosophy and practice
Basic yoga poses and transitions
Mindful breathing and body scanning techniques

Next Steps

More complex yoga sequences and flows
Advanced breathing techniques (pranayama)
Partner and group yoga poses

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses with stability for 3+ breaths

Shows improved flexibility over time

Demonstrates calm focus during practice

Key Teaching Points

Yoga exercises mind, body and breath together
Always move slowly and within your comfort zone
Breathing should be deep, slow and controlled
Focus on how poses feel rather than how they look
Everyone's body is different and equally valid
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment
Respect for yoga tradition through appropriate behaviour

Common Misconceptions

Yoga is only about being flexible - correct by emphasising strength, focus and breathing
You must be able to do advanced poses - emphasise personal journey and comfort
Yoga is too easy or boring - highlight the challenge of focus and breath control
Only certain body types can do yoga - celebrate all bodies and adaptations
Yoga is just stretching - explain the mental and spiritual aspects too

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter sequences initially, movement breaks within poses, fidget alternatives during relaxation

dyspraxia

Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space options for overwhelm

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance where appropriate, consistent spatial setup

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, written pose cards, clear visual cues for transitions

physical disability

Chair-supported versions of poses, adapted ranges of motion, focus on accessible movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive language for poses and feelings

Maths

Counting breaths, timing holds, understanding patterns in sequences

Science

Understanding body systems, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, flexibility and muscle groups

Geography

Exploring yoga's origins in India, understanding different cultural practices around the world

PSHE

Self-awareness, emotional regulation, respect for different traditions and practices

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position at front for demonstrations, sit/lie when guiding relaxation

Observation Focus

Watch for breath-movement coordination, safe alignment in poses, signs of overexertion

Intervention Points

Step in if students forcing poses, help with alignment, support those finding focus difficult

Demonstration Notes

Model every pose clearly, show modifications, demonstrate breath-movement connection visibly

Verbal Cues

•'Breathe deeply and slowly'
•'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
•'Listen to your body'
•'Soft shoulders, away from your ears'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2m x 2m per student, non-slip surface, room for lying down

Surface Check

Clean, dry, even surface. Check for any objects that could cause injury

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify sound system volume is appropriate

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips or falls during balance poses
•Overstretching or forcing poses beyond comfort
•Dizziness from position changes or deep breathing

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise moving slowly and within comfort zones
•Teach students to come out of poses if they feel dizzy
•Ensure adequate spacing between students
•Model all poses with proper alignment

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during floor work
•Monitor for any signs of discomfort or distress
•Watch for students pushing beyond safe limits

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if anyone feels unwell, ensure student sits/lies down safely, provide water if needed